Dahlia Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' is a striking ornamental plant that stands out with its vibrant and showy flowers. The blooms of this dahlia are characterized by their semi-cactus form, where the petals tend to curve backward, creating a spiky effect that adds to the flower's visual interest. The petals themselves are long and somewhat narrow, tapering to points that give them a somewhat tubular appearance. The flowers are large and boast a stunning color palette. Each petal displays a blend of hues, often incorporating shades of yellow and orange which transition to a fiery red at the tips, giving the blooms a flame-like appearance. This gradation of warm colors creates a bold and warm visual impact that can liven up any garden space. Surrounding the central disc of the flower, the petals are arranged in multiple layers that contribute to their full and lush appearance. When in full bloom, the Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' can offer a spectacular display of color and form. The plant bears these eye-catching flowers atop sturdy stems which are perfect for cutting and using in floral displays. The leaves of the Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' are deep green, creating a lush backdrop for the bright flowers. The foliage is typically pinnate with leaflets that have ovate to lance-shaped profiles with pointed tips and toothed edges. The contrast between the dark leaves and the vivid flowers further emphasizes the striking appearance of this plant. As a cultivated variety of dahlia, this plant is cherished for its aesthetic appeal in gardens and as a cut flower, bringing a burst of color and drama wherever it's displayed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' (S-c)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Wootton Impact' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur, so it is still advisable not to eat any part of ornamental plants as a precaution.
To pets
Dahlias are not known to be toxic to pets either. The 'Wootton Impact' variety, like other dahlias, should not cause serious harm if pets happen to ingest parts of it. Nevertheless, it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not intended for their diet to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias, including 'Wootton Impact', are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant colors and striking form, the Dahlia adds beauty to any garden or landscape.
- Versatility: Dahlias can be grown in borders, flower beds, or containers, making them suitable for a variety of garden designs and spaces.
- Cut Flowers: Dahlias are excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their long vase life and stunning blooms.
- Breeding Potential: Enthusiasts often use varieties such as 'Wootton Impact' to create new hybrids through plant breeding, offering a rich potential for diversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Dahlias bloom from midsummer until the first frost, providing color and interest in the garden when many other flowers have finished blooming.
- Easy to Grow: While they do require some care, Dahlias are generally easy to grow and can thrive with basic gardening know-how.
- Show Plant: The striking appearance of the 'Wootton Impact' makes it an ideal candidate for garden shows and competitions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, particularly its brightly colored petals which can provide shades of yellow to orange depending on the mordant used.
- The tuberous roots of dahlias can be used in traditional crafts to create a natural glue or paste when boiled down, especially useful in paper mache or as a binder in pigments.
- Dahlia blooms can be pressed and included in decorative crafts, such as resin jewelry, bookmarks, or framed artwork, to capture their beauty in a lasting form.
- Certain parts of the dahlia plant, like petals and tubers, can be used in composting as a source of nutrients to enrich garden soil, contributing to a sustainable gardening cycle.
- The stems of dahlias contain fibrous material that may be used in the production of handmade paper, adding texture and visual interest to the finished product.
- The blooms of Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' are suitable for floral arrangements in float bowls where single flowers float on water, creating eye-catching centerpiece displays.
- Dahlia petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle scent and pop of color; though not as aromatic as some flowers, they contribute to the visual appeal.
- In photography and art, dahlias may be used as a subject for practicing macro photography techniques or botanical illustration due to their complex structure and vibrant hues.
- The substantial structure of dahlias makes them suitable for edible landscaping, providing aesthetic appeal to gardens without relying on traditional ornamental-only species.
- Used in educational settings, the diverse forms and colors of dahlias, including the 'Wootton Impact', can serve as a hands-on tool to teach botany and the science of hybridization.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning displays, often represent elegance and dignity, reflecting a sense of grace and sophistication.
- Change and Variety: The wide variety of colors and forms in dahlias symbolize diversity and change, representing an embrace of new experiences and opportunities.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias can symbolize a lasting commitment or bond, as they continue to bloom and return each year, reflecting the idea of a lasting relationship or engagement.
- Personal Achievement: Because dahlias can thrive in challenging conditions, they often signify personal achievement and the ability to stand out with poise and dignity in adverse circumstances.
- Creative Spirit: The dahlia's intricate patterns and vibrant array of colors can represent a burst of creative energy and the inspiration to follow one's artistic pursuits.
WaterDahlia 'Wootton Impact', commonly known as a Dahlia, should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, roughly 2 gallons per week depending on climate conditions. To avoid fungal diseases and to best facilitate growth, it is optimal to water the plant early in the morning. During hot weather, water the plants more frequently, ensuring you moisten the soil to at least a depth of 6 inches. For potted Dahlias, water until you see the excess draining from the bottom, indicating the soil is fully saturated. Reduce watering in cooler or rainy periods to prevent waterlogging. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
LightDahlias thrive in full sunlight, so plant your Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a very hot climate, a location with morning sunlight and afternoon shade will help to prevent heat stress. Avoid areas that are shaded for most of the day, as insufficient light can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureDahlias like the Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' prefer temperatures between 60°F to 70°F for optimal growth. These plants can survive a minimal temperature of about 50°F but will not survive frost; the tubers must be protected or lifted if temperatures drop below this point. Ideally, keep them in an environment where temperatures do not exceed 90°F as prolonged heat can stress the plants and inhibit flowering.
PruningPruning your Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' encourages stronger stems and more prolific blooming. Pinch off the tips of the plant once it reaches about 16 inches to promote bushiness. Cut away spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. After the first killing frost, prune back all foliage before digging up the tubers for storage. The best time to prune back Dahlias is late in the growing season, after the flowers have faded and the foliage begins to yellow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias require well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix containing loam, compost, and sand or perlite aids drainage and fertility. Amend with organic matter to encourage robust growth.
RepottingDahlias, such as the 'Wootton Impact', should be replanted annually. Tubers can be divided during repotting if they have become too large or crowded.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels but do not require any special humidity adjustments. Average room humidity is typically sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, use large pots, and stake stems for support.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, good drainage, and ample space between plants.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' begins with the germination of tubers in spring when the soil has warmed sufficiently and there is no longer a threat of frost. During the growing season, the plant develops a strong stem and foliage, followed by buds that eventually open into large, showy flowers characteristic of dahlias, with the 'Wootton Impact' showcasing its unique coloration and petal arrangement. After flowering throughout the summer and into early autumn, the dahlias' growth slows and the plant prepares for dormancy. With the onset of cooler temperatures and the first frost, the above-ground parts of the plant start to die back, signaling the time to cut back the foliage and, in colder climates, to dig up and store the tubers to protect them from freezing. During winter, the tubers are stored in a cool, frost-free place until they can be replanted after the last frost of the following spring. This cycle repeats annually, with proper care ensuring the vitality and bloom of the Dahlia 'Wootton Impact' each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Dahlia 'Wootton Impact', a sumptuous flowering plant known for its striking blooms, can be propagated effectively through the division of tubers, which is the most popular method. This should be done in the spring, just as the new shoots begin to sprout from the tubers. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the clump of dahlia tubers and gently separate them, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a growth point from which new shoots will emerge. The divisions can then be planted directly in the ground or potted up, typically with about 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) of soil covering them, in a well-drained site with plenty of sun exposure. Water the new plantings thoroughly and await the sprouting of new dahlia shoots, which will lead to a garden filled with the vibrant, eye-catching flowers of the 'Wootton Impact' Dahlia.
